What information did Indian government provide on LPG gas supply and crude oil imports?
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that 70 percent of India's crude oil imports are coming from outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry, provided this information at a joint press briefing. The briefing was attended by officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of Shipping, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Sujata Sharma said, "We import crude from approximately 40 countries. Oil companies have sourced crude from various sources. Due to this diversification, approximately 70 percent of our crude imports are coming from outside the Strait of Hormuz, up from 55 percent previously."
She said, "Today, two cargoes have departed for India. They will arrive within a few days and will strengthen the country's crude supply situation."
LPG production in India has increased
The Ministry also stated that domestic LPG production in India has increased, and is being supplied entirely to domestic consumers.
90 percent of imported LPG comes through the Strait of Hormuz
Sujata Sharma said, "Currently, we import 60 percent of our LPG needs, 90 percent of which comes through the Strait of Hormuz. The government has taken several steps to address this situation. For example, on March 8, the Government of India issued an order directing all refineries and petrochemical complexes to increase LPG production as much as possible."
Domestic LPG production has increased by 25 percent
She added, "Due to these efforts, our domestic LPG production has increased by 25 percent, and all domestic LPG is being supplied to domestic consumers. Essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions are being prioritized for non-domestic LPG."
28 Indian-flagged ships operating in Persian Gulf region
Shipping Ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha said, "There are 28 Indian-flagged ships operating in the Persian Gulf region. Of these 28 ships, 24 are west of the Strait of Hormuz. A total of 677 sailors are on board these ships."
He added, "There are four ships east of the Strait of Hormuz, carrying 101 Indian sailors."